We had a fab time doing Salma & Richard’s engagement shoot last weekend and it appears so did Salma. She is a guest blogger on English Wedding Blog site. Have a read of her fantastic post. Also Claire from English Wedding blog left a lovely comment at the end the blog post we did. Thank you both for you kind words.We really can’t wait for the wedding now.

Wow! where has the year gone. It has truly been an amazing year. We have met so many interesting people and been to some incredible places in 2010. It is difficult for us to thank everyone but first I would like to say thank you to everyone of our couples this year. Every wedding has been great to be involved with and we have been made so welcome by everyone on their special day.

We’re so lucky that we work with some amazing suppliers in the wedding industry so a big thanks and happy Christmas to them, especially Fiona at Firenza, Sally and everyone at Papakata Tipis and all the amazing venues we’ve worked at this year – Allerton Castle, Hazlewood Castle, Ripley Castle (so many castles!), Oulton Hall, Rudding Park and so many others. Also big love to James at Roeni who not only is an amazingly talented designer and all round lovely chap but also designed and produced the Barber Photography Christmas cards again this year.

Thanks to my friends at Aspire up in the Lake District who have continued to inspire me this year. I’m so proud to be part of the team up there and really excited with the projects for 2011. Catherine & Jane we wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for you guys.

In the my other world of 3B Media particular thank yous go to Hope & Social Si, Rich, Ed, Gary, Si & James and the peeps involved with them Ben  Mark Roo. You guys have given me the most fabulous experiences this year and long may it continue into 2011.

The lads of Cities Between Us – Josh Nimal Stef Jo & Val – You rock and we are looking forward to the new album in 2011. Skylarkin for allowing us into your inner sanctum to record you guys at work. Mike Heaton for letting us get involved with your exciting project ( More of which in 2011!)

Also of course big big thanks to Rob and Barns, my 3B partners in crime. These two guys have been my biggest inspiration this year. Opening my eyes to new worlds and seeing things that would normally pass me by. They make me as giddy as a kipper. We’ve got big plans for the future helped by the wonderful Hayley who has given us the belief and focus – so 2011 will hopefully be a great year for us.

Lastly a big thank you to my main partner in crime – my gorgeous wife Lou and mother to our fab kids.These guys are the reason we do this. Lou is someone who keeps me on the straight and narrow . Gives me kick up the backside when I need it but allows me to follow my dreams not matter how stupid they may seem at the time.

Lou I love you and you are all I could ask for .

Happy Christmas everybody and have a Happy New Year.

Phil xxxxx

We had a lovely family day out today in York, and popped in to see our friends at Papakata on the way. They’ve been holding a wedding open weekend for the last couple of days at their site on the Escrick Park Estate and it was great to go along and say hi. We’ve worked on a few Papakata weddings in the last year or so. In fact their marketing manager, Sally, was one of our brides last year. She loved her Tipi wedding so much she joined the company so it was lovely to see her again today.

We love these weddings so much. Every one has been so different, and the tipis always look amazing, however they’re decorated – classic wedding style with round tables and starched white linen, or country shabby chic with trestle tables and vintage jugs of wild flowers. The beauty of tipis over more conventional marquees is that they’re fantastic for winter weddings as well as summer – they were originally pioneered by the Sami people of Lapland. An add-on chill out zone with beanbags, fire pit and animal skin rugs really adds to the cosy atmosphere.

Here are a few pics and a slideshow of Papakata images we’ve taken at the weddings we’ve covered.

As you can imagine our work takes around the country  to some beautiful places and we get to meet so great and interesting people along the way. We are also on the look out for new locations and one we came across yesterday was the ‘The Old Deanery’ in Ripon North Yorkshire. The Old Deanery was built in 1625 on the site of part of the former monastery of St Wilfred, for use by the Canon-in-Residence and is opposite  Ripon Cathedral. It was taken over by Linda last year and has 11 beautifully fitted bedrooms and a fine restaurants that has been voted one of the best in North Yorkshire.

The location and building make this a unique and attractive venue for weddings. Check out their website by clicking here  www.theolddeanery.co.uk

Being in the wedding industry we tend to come into contact with lots of other suppliers. One of our favourites is Bridal Rogue Gallery, a bridalwear boutique in York & London. All of the stunning gowns are created by Catriona Dowse, an amazing designer who we’ve worked with before.

Their York boutique has just been refurbished, and to celebrate the relaunch they’re having a day of events this coming Friday for brides to be. A few select suppliers will be there too (including Phil Barber Photography!!) so if anyone wants to see some stunning creations and get excited about weddings then do come along. An appointment is recommended as space is limited. Contact Julie or Tracey on 01904 656675

It would be great to see you there!

Anyway, as always we had a great day there. Unfortunately Lou was unable to join me this time as she had Remembrance Day parade duties with our daughter, so I had to hold the fort by myself. This was no mean feat as it was so busy! I think I managed to speak to most people – hello to everyone I met, and thank you for stopping to chat with me!

Anyway, Catherine the wedding coordinator did a great job organising everything. This was our last wedding fair of the year – it all starts again in the new year. Roll on 2009!!

First up we’d like to mention flowers* (the * is intentional!!) They, like us, are a husband and wife team, Nick and Wendy, and we’ve worked with them a few times over the last two years. It’s always been a pleasure, and their work is so fantastic to photograph. I may be OK at taking pictures of flowers but I don’t know enough latin to write in detail about the stunning floral designs, so I’ll let my pictures and Wendy and Nick’s designs do the talking!!